DadTalk Blog
New Columbia University Survey of Responsible Fatherhood Field
More than a decade has passed since the last such comprehensive review of the responsible fatherhood field and much has changed in the interim. The Center for Research on Fathers, Children and Family Well-Being, directed by Dr. Ronald Mincy at the Columbia University School of Social Work, is currently undertaking a survey to review and assess the current state of the field.
The purpose of the program survey is to better understand details about program operations, such as funding sources, types of services offered, target client populations, use of program evaluation tools, and connections to the broader fatherhood field. The survey also contains a brief supplemental questionnaire for programs working with teen fathers.
If your agency operates a fatherhood program, please consider helping advance the responsible fatherhood field by participating in this important study. All participants (one per program) can enter a raffle to win an iPad. The survey contains 45 multiple choice and short answer questions, plus a brief (6 question) supplemental questionnaire for programs working with teen fathers. We estimate it should take no longer than 20-30 minutes to complete.
Participate online e-mail The Center at crfcfwsurvey@gmail.com.
Public Housing Authorities reconnecting Families and Dads in 2012
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Father’s Day event is back! Originally inspired by a New York City Housing Authority event, last year over 200 Public Housing Agencies (PHA) participated in the inaugural celebration for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Across the country, thousands of fathers, children, mothers and friends gathered for fun activities while learning about supportive services in their communities. You can watch this video that provides some of the highlights from last year and invites everyone to participate this upcoming Father’s Day.
This year, the Father’s Day celebration is back and we are bringing more “friends” to participate in the fun. HUD has reached out to other nonprofits, federal agencies and the private industry in order to provide PHAs with a variety of resources for their Father’s Day events. HUD already has commitments from the National Fatherhood Initiative, the National Football League Players Association, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America among others. As a result of these partners joining in this effort, Father’s Day offers PHAs the chance to improve the lives of residents through fostering stronger family connections while also giving PHAs the opportunity to form new partnerships with local organizations offering supportive services. To capture this expanded vision HUD is calling this initiative Reconnecting Families and Dads.
GO PLAY! Thoughts from the Fatherhood First Project in Rapid City, SD
For the last three years, The Fatherhood First Project in Rapid City, S.D. has been tasked with getting dads more involved in Head Start and Early Head Start programming. This has been accomplished by Fatherhood First Specialists:
- Working one-on-one with Head Start and Early Head Start dads facilitating one-on-one activities between the dads and their kids, helping them understand the value of play time with their kids.
- Hosting Father/Child activity nights where Father’s eat dinner with their kids and then everyone participates in a special activity designed to highlight dad’s strength of play.
- Conducting training for community based organizations on the important role that dads play in the development of their children raising awareness on the importance of fathers helping breakdown individual bias and preconceived opinions about fatherhood.
Through all these events, we are working in our community to redefine and, most importantly, celebrate fatherhood.
We have found that the vast majority of dads we work with want to be involved. They are excited to have special events for just them and their children. They want to understand more about what their child is learning while they are playing. They love becoming more involved.
Celebrating Fatherhood in Los Angeles with Lou Gossett, Jr.
In support of President Obama’s Fatherhood & Mentoring Initiative, Oscar Winner Lou Gossett, Jr. and Deputy Assistant to the President Michael Strautmanis led a Responsible Fatherhood Roundtable discussion and recognition ceremony. At the event, both spent time recognizing individuals who are working to promote responsible fatherhood in Los Angeles. These people were surrounded by young people involved in sports games and leadership activities from Challengers Boys and Girls Club who hosted the discussion.
Through the discussion, all of us had the chance to learn about, lift up, and connect organizations in Los Angeles that are helping fathers to be actively engaged with their kids. I was inspired by the individual stories of the ten men and women connected with these organizations. Their dedication and positive presence in their families and communities is truly remarkable.
Categories
In response to President Obama’s call for a national conversation on responsible fatherhood and healthy families, learn how you can join the President's Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative.
Información en Español
En respuesta al llamado del presidente Obama para una conversación nacional sobre la paternidad responsable y las familias saludables, aprender cómo usted puede unirse a la Iniciativa Presidencial de Padres y Mentores.
